Keane Calls for Warriors against Belgium

16 June 2016

Roy Keane says he wants to see warriors on the pitch against Belgium on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager says he has been impressed by the physicality of EURO 2016 so far and he says he wants to see more of it when the Boys in Green play Belgium in Bordeaux this week-end.

"I watched Albania and France last night and Albania were outstanding" Keane said on Thursday.

"Physically strong and not holding back and that's what the game is all about. We all admire a bit of skill, don't get me wrong, but when you see people putting their bodies on the line - that's great, I like that side of it."

"You go on about our lads getting tired but that's because they were giving everything they've got and that;s what you expect. You want to see warriors out there. We're seeing that not just in our group of players but to be fair we're seeing it in other teams and I love watching that."

As for what Ireland need to do to get something from the game this week-end Keane said: "First and foremost we need to get a really good performance. What happens after that, who knows. I think that's what pleased us with the game the other day. I thought we played some decent stuff, we seemed to play with a lot of confidence, a lot of belief."

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"Maybe people underestimated us but let's put on a good performance and see where that takes us, we know what we're capable of.

"We're up against an outstanding team. Belgium are a very, very good team. They did create chances themselves in the first game. We'll have to be at our very best, that goes without saying."